Low-Dose Quetiapine in the Treatment of SSRI-Induced Bruxism and Mandibular Dystonia: Case Series

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been the most widely used psychopharmacological agents prescribed for depression worldwide. Some adverse effects of SSRI drugs on central nervous system are insomnia and bruxism. These drugs also affect sleep. Quetiapine is used as adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). It is a low- dose dibenzothiazepine with more potent 5-HT2 than D2 receptor-blocking properties that can be used to manage bruxism because of its antagonist effect on the 5-HT2 receptor.
Cases: The cases were 5 patients who have recently been treated with SSRIs and presented with bruxism. Low- dose quetiapine (between 25 and 50 mg daily) was prescribed for the patients, and after a few days, they reported no bruxism and continued taking the medication.
We found that quetiapine can improve bruxism and mandibular dystonia, which are side effects of SSRIs.